9th B-day

My little man celebrated his 9th birthday yesterday!

I helped Magdalene make his birthday cake using a recipe from her new cook book. It was a big hit (very delicious)! She is becoming very adept in the kitchen and we all benefit!

The big green candle was our solution to mom someone having forgot to get birthday candles. Worked great though. Green is Lawrence's favorite color and there was already the right size hole in the cake.

G'ma provided the birthday boy with a 6 pack, and since he is my only kid who likes "black pop" he doesn't even have to share!

Star Wars and Lego!! Perfect combination! 

A couple of Lawrence's cousins are in from out-of-state visiting G'ma for a few days and the timing was perfect. The boys were able to join us in the celebration. 

As you can see, they enjoyed each other's company. And, thankfully, the only injury they sustained was a swat to the side of the head for the birthday boy during sword play! (Notice the scratches near Lawrence's right eye). He recovered quickly and their activity choice soon switched to Legos! Smart thinking.

Always a good time when you can share your day with friends!! 

Even better when the friends are also family!!

Thanks for joining us!

(Thanks to G'ma, too. It is always a pleasure to have you with us!)

 And, to my new 9 year old!!!

I hope you know how loved you are.

You are laughter, smiles, craziness, chaos, and love all bundled into one!

Out of all of the boys in the world, I am so glad God chose you to be in our family!

GRADUATION!

 "Our future begins today, not tomorrow" 

Blessed John Paul II

Monday night, May 21st, I had the honor of presenting Myriah with her high school diploma.

Every year our parish home education ministry hosts a graduation ceremony.

This year we had 14 seniors.

Each home school chooses their own school colors.

Myriah, along with her siblings, chose brown as our primary school

color in memory of their dad. (Paul's favorite color was brown).

Myriah with Nana (my mom) and G'ma (Paul's mom)

"May God fill your heart with dreams

and faith give you the courage to dare to do great things."

Find Your Wings By Mark Harris

May your future be blessed, Myriah.

I love you and am proud of you!

Christmas Card.. take 2

I guess the "Christmas Card" I put together doesn't open for most people. So, I guess I will just post a few of the pictures I used separately here. Sorry!

Myriah (18)

James (16)

Madison (15)

Magdalene (11)

Lawrence (8)

Engaged 2011

Kolbe (6)

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! May your Christmas be blessed with family, friends, smiles and laughter!

Christmas Card 2011

I just didn't get around to getting this put together soon enough to be able to mail it in time for Christmas. So... for this year, I am doing a "virtual" Christmas Card. I will hope to be more on top of things next year!

May your Christmas be blessed!

Dog on Ice.

Not what we expected when we went for a hike on the trails by the river, but glad we found him. We waited for about 45 minutes for the first officer to arrive after I called 911, but once he notified the fire department, it didn't take too long to get him. He was able to walk out of the woods on his own with the officer on the way to the vet... tail still wagging. Happy Ending!

Sighted on our way home.

BEAUTIFUL!

ELEVEN!

Happy Birthday to a my sweet girl!

We love you, sweetheart!

Thank-you, Godparents Ron and Amy, for helping us celebrate.